After being hugged, squeezed and taken on so many adventures over the years, it can start to take it’s toll on our much loved teddies. There comes a point in every teddy’s life, where they just aren’t how they used to be. This can be caused by wear and tear, such a stitching coming loose or stuffing falling out. One of our previous blogs, looks at the ways to care for your teddy bear. But after years of love, all teddies need a little helping hand to be the way they once were. So what do you do when your teddy bear or a loved ones teddy needs a long awaited repair?
Teddy Hospitals
If your teddy is very poorly and needs a big repair, it is sometimes best to send them to a professional teddy hospital or a teddy bear doctor. Whilst this means being separated for a few days, it is sometimes the best way to get your teddy bear repaired back to their original self. Teddy bear doctors are people that love teddies and are usually very experienced at what they do. Meaning your teddy will be in very safe hands!
Freshen Up
Sometimes teddy bears don’t need to go to a teddy doctor, sometimes all they need is a little fresh up. The best way to do this is place you teddy in warm water, with mild laundry detergent and gently sponge any dirty patches. For dirtier teddies, you can submerge them in the warm water and sponge. We do not advise putting your cuddly friend in the washing machine. However, some teddy’s can be washed on a cold, gentle cycle. Please always check the bears cleaning instructions. If you do decide to put your bear in the washing machine, we recommend also placing it inside a pillowcase and knotting it closed.
Home Repairs
Home repairs are a good way to fix smaller pieces of damage. If you are confident with a needle and thread you may choose this option, if you do decide to repair your bear at home, please follow these steps.
- If the teddy does not already have a hole in the seam, very carefully open a straight seam, by cutting the thread with a pair of scissors.
- Remove all the stuffing from inside the bear and discard.
- Gently hand wash the empty fur in warm water with mild laundry detergent. Similar to if you are just freshening up the bear.
- Dry the teddy bear with a towel, carefully removing as much water as possible, without damaging the bear.
- You can either choose to air dry the teddy if it is delicate, or blow dry the bear using a cool setting.
- Once the bear has dried, smooth over the fur, making sure to get out any knots and damaged patches.
- Once dry make any major repairs, such as reattaching eyes and limbs.
- Next turn the teddy inside out, and examine all the seams. If any have holes in, then stitch up the seams using a needle and thread. Remembering to leave a space to insert the stuffing.
- Turn the bear the correct way, and re-examine all seams, ensuring they are all tight.
- After you are certain that all the seams are all fixed and strong, start filling the bear with stuffing. We recommend using a ball of polyester fiberfill, to create a cuddly bear.
- Sew the seam that you packed the fiberfill through closed, and make sure that it is tight.
- Finally, double check that the bear is completely sewn up and smooth over the fur to make the bear all cuddly again.
There you have it, your cuddly companion is as good as new!